A Short History: General Nathaniel Lyon, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

W. Duke, Sons & Co. produced this colorful lithograph trading card around 1900 to promote their tobacco products. This small card is a fascinating artifact of American commercial culture, using the visual language of patriotism to sell goods. The image is divided into sections: a portrait of General Nathaniel Lyon, who died during the Civil War, a scene of a soldier in the field, and decorative patterns. The inclusion of Lyon, a Union hero, taps into the national pride and nostalgia prevalent in the post-Civil War era. Businesses routinely used patriotic imagery to associate their products with positive values, reinforcing a sense of national identity closely tied to consumerism. The company’s choice to depict General Lyon reflects a desire to appeal to consumers through shared cultural and historical references. To fully understand the meaning of this card, we can research the history of advertising, the cultural impact of the Civil War, and the rise of mass consumerism.